Content

Computational Physics: Introductory Course

Summary

The purpose of the course is that the student shall develop knowledge and basic skills to use numerical methods for modeling physical systems. The aim of the course is also that the student obtains skills to implement numerical methods in Matlab / GNU Octave.

Admission requirements

1. The equivalent of English 6/English B in Swedish secondary school.
2. At least 15 credits of Calculus.

Entry requirements

1. The equivalent of English 6/English B in Swedish secondary school.
2. At least 15 credits of Calculus.

Specialisation and progression relative to the degree regulations

Single subject course.

Purpose

The purpose of the course is that the student shall develop knowledge and basic skills to use numerical methods for modeling physical systems. The aim of the course is also that the student obtains skills to implement numerical methods in Matlab / GNU Octave.

Contents

Numerical methods for:

Basic mathematical operations

Solution of differential equations

Solution of eigenvalue problems

Monte-Carlo simulations

and

Programming in Matlab / GNU Octave

The use of numerical methods for modeling physical systems

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understandingOn completion of the programme the student shall:
1. demonstrate basic knowledge of numerical methods
2. demonstrate basic programming skills
3. demonstrate an understanding of the applicability of numerical methods for modeling physical systems and its advantages and disadvantages
Competence and skillsOn completion of the programme the student shall:
4. demonstrate skills to use numerical methods for modeling physical systems
5. demonstrate the ability to estimate the errors in the use of numerical methods
6. demonstrate skills to write and develop simple programs in Matlab / GNU Octave
7. demonstrate an ability to describe the results of a simulation in a project report
Judgement and approachOn completion of the programme the student shall:
8. demonstrate ability to critically examine and evaluate a model of a physical system

Learning activities

The education is offered exclusively online; attendance or other physical presence is neither planned nor required. Students are expected to have access to a computer with Internet access.

Assessments

Student performance is assessed by:

A number of small assignments (4,5 credits) Learning outcomes 1-2, 4, 6

A final project in the form of a report (3 credits) Learning outcomes 1-8

Requirements for Pass: Passed assignments and passed final project

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Course literature and other teaching materials

Compendia of theory and task description are provided.
Additional literature is chosen in consultation with the teacher / tutor depending on the direction of the project.
Reference Literature:

Course evaluation

The university provides all students who are participating in, or have completed, a course to express their experiences and views on the course through a course evaluation which is organized at the end of the course. The university will collate the course evaluations and provide information about their results and any actions prompted by them. The results shall be made available to the students. (HF 1:14).

Interim rules

When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.